Chateau Kirwan Margaux Grand Cru 2018
(Bordeaux, France) - [WE 96] [WS 94] [ JS 94] [JD 93] [WA 92] [VM 92] [DM 92]

About this wine:
 Chateau Kirwan is a winery in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of fourteen Troisièmes (3rd) Crus in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. Chateau Kirwan is located on the plateau of Cantenac with some of the finest gravelly soil in the Médoc.

The 40 hectare vineyard of Chateau Kirwan is planted to 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. In a concerted (and successful) effort to improve the quality of the wine, famed wine consultant Michel Rolland was hired in 1991 and worked with the property until 2006.

The winery takes its name from the Irishman, Mark Kirwan, who owned the estate in the mid 18th century. The Schyler family has owned Kirwan since 1925.

Notes from the Winemaker: 
It is a wine that is exuberant without being opulent, rich without being heavy, fresh without being aggressive. Everything is in balance.

Blend: 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot

96 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is a generous, full-bodied wine. Touches of vanilla indicate the wood aging but that will go as the elegant structure and black fruits come to the fore. The wine's future is assured, promising impressive drinking from 2027. " - Roger Voss (5/1/2021)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This drapes wonderfully, with its range of warmed cassis, plum reduction and blackberry preserve flavors displaying a cashmere feel while warmed anise, alder, juniper and bay details peek in throughout. Rich yet defined finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 7,500 cases made." - JM (Mar 2021)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Blueberry, blackberry, black tea, dark chocolate and walnut on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, well integrated tannins. Silky and richly flavored. Always shows finesse. Lots of character at the finish, from wet earth and mushroom to currant and berry. Try from 2024." (Jan 2021)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"One of the few wines I wasn't able to taste from barrel, the 2018 Château Kirwan is certainly an outstanding wine now from bottle. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as beautiful notes of crème de cassis and earthy currant fruits, it's medium to full-bodied and has a kiss of background oak, plenty of spicy, floral nuances, and a great finish. It's another terrific 2018 with solid up-front appeal yet the balance, structure, and class to evolve for 20-25 years." (3/11/2021)

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 
"The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Kirwan comes barreling out of the glass with notes of cedar chest, cloves and stewed plums, followed by notions of cassis, dried Provence herbs and tobacco leaf with a waft of dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, juicy black fruits with a plush texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Mar 2021)